State Street

Global investor confidence rose slightly in June despite the continuing turmoil in financial markets, according to State Street Global Markets.

Confidence levels of North American investors fell to an all-time low of 65.3 points this month, down over 10 points on last month's figures.

If the US is able to avoid a recession in 2008 it will be a "remarkable" achievement, according to State Street.

The growing aversion to annuities as a source of retirement income may put people at risk of running out of pension savings, warns a panel of pension experts.

The Scottish Executive has unveiled a joint initiative between the government and industry to assess how to boost Scotland's position as a key financial services centre.